Second Sunday of Lent
Gospel Reading: Mark 9:2-10
Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzling white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so, let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them anymore but only Jesus. As they came down the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean.
Guidelines:
1. ‘Where they could be alone by themselves’
Can you remember a time when you opened up to someone, trusting them enough to let them in on your inside track? (For example: shared a secret, a concern, a problem.) Remember how relieved you were at having taken them into your confidence. Give thanks for the people close to us whom we can trust on the high mountain of life.
2. ‘It is wonderful for us to be here’
Remember special family gatherings in your life – a family celebration, family outing, holiday, Christmas – when you experienced a wonderful sense of togetherness and the joy and contentment it brought with it. Give thanks for family time and for those who bring you together.In this Year of the Family, pray for families whose bonds have loosened for one reason or another, that, in their brokenness, they will witness God’s healing spirit.
3. ‘His clothes became dazzling white’
Think about a special friend you have in school or nearby. How does it feel when you are with them and enjoying some fun activity? Have you ever met them when they were very sad or worried? What did you do to help or comfort them? This is the way Jesus is our true friend – from his glory, he is always ready to face any trouble we have and help us through it with love Thank you Jesus for being my friend and giving me all my good friends and family to look after me. Let me find you in their helping and loving ways